Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50 (b), the following restriction is in effect on Spotted Bear Ranger District on the Flathead National Forest, Flathead County, Montana as depicted on the attached map as Exhibit A, and herby incorporated into the order.This temporary restriction is in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, Part 261, Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, and becomes effective when signed and will remain in effect until rescinded.

36 CFR 261.52 – Fire

Going into or be upon an area (Title 36 CFR 261.52(e)).

36 CFR 261.53 – Special Closures

Public Health or Safety (Title 36 CFR 261.53(e)).

36 CFR 261.55– National Forest System Trails

Being on the trail (36 CFR 261.55(a)).

The closure cited in this order is to protect the public from potential harm from wildfires and firefighting operations associated with the existing and potential fire hazards.

Description of Closed Areas:

This area and trail closure applies to the Flathead National Forest and closes the following:

Description of area:

Starting at the Continental Divide on the ridge between the Cox and Calbick Creek drainages, (SE corner of Sec. 34, R12 W, T 28N ) moving South on said ridge to the Jct. of the Big River Trail #155 and the Cox Creek Trail #175. Then on a straight line to Gable Peak, Chair Mountain and the junction of Trail #241 and the Dolly Varden Trail #173. From this point the closure will follow the ridge to Argosy Mtn. then form a line to the head of Argosy creek. From this point along Elk Ridge to the Middle Fork- South Fork Divide above Pot Lake. Then follow this ridge to the east to Trilobite Ridge. Then follow Trilobite Ridge to Pentagon Mtn. and on to Switchback Pass. From here, the closure follows trail #732 to the Continental Divide. The closure then would follow the Continental Divide to the North until it meets the starting point of the Closure on the ridge between Cox Creek and Calbick Creek (SE corner of Sec. 34, R12 W, T 28N ).

Description of Closed Trails

Description of Trails:

Starting at the Continental Divide on the ridge between the Cox and Calbick Creek drainages, (SE corner of Sec. 34, R12 W, T 28N ) moving South on said ridge to the Jct. of the Big River Trail #155 and the Cox Creek Trail #175. Then on a straight line to Gable Peak, Chair Mountain and the junction of Trail #241 and the Dolly Varden Trail #173. From this point, the closure will follow the ridge to Argosy Mtn. then form a line to the head of Argosy Creek. From this point along Elk Ridge to the Middle Fork- South Fork Divide above Pot Lake. Then follow this Ridge to the east to Trilobite ridge. Then follow Trilobite Ridge to Pentagon Mtn. and on to Switchback Pass. From here, the closure follows trail #732 to the Continental Divide. The closure then would follow the Continental Divide to the North until it meets the starting point of the Closure on the ridge between Cox Creek and Calbick Creek (SE corner of Sec. 34, R12 W, T 28N ).

Exemptions:

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following are exempt from this restriction:

1. Persons with a permit issued by a forest officer specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Done at Missoula, Montana this day of September 13th, 2017.

By: /s/ Jane D. DarnellJANE D. DARNELL

Forest Supervisor

Penalty: Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559 and 3571).

Notification: A copy of this order shall be posted as prescribed in 36 CFR 261.51.